Page 10 of Knot My Band: Part One
I feel the smile slip from my face, my heart sinking slightly.
“Lighten up, Dax,” Jack tries, but it’s useless.
“Maybe another time,” I murmur, reluctant to be the cause of any tension within this volatile mix. Chase’s disappointment is almost tangible, a cloud dimming the sparkle in his gaze.
“Sure thing, Oli. Rain check, then.” Chase gives me a lopsided grin that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Rain check,” I confirm.
Aiden gives me an apologetic look, and his soft brown eyes kind of make me wish I could stay.
“Great work today, Oli. See you tomorrow?” he asks, fingers nervously drumming on the edge of the keyboard.
“Of course,” I say, slinging my bag over my shoulder and heading toward the exit. I can feel Dax’s intense gaze like a shadow at my back, but I don’t turn around. The last thing I need is another round of his brooding intensity.
Once outside under the sky, I pull out my phone with fingers that are a little too shaky. Riley’s name lights up the screen, and I hit dial before I can second-guess myself.
“Oli? Everything okay?” Riley’s voice comes through, clear and concerned, and suddenly, the dam breaks.
“I’m doing everything I can to make things work with The Edge and get along with them. I thought today actually went well. Our music connects so easily, but Dax clearly hates me, which really isn’t fair since we just met!”
“Oh, Olive, I’m sorry. Do you want me to come to rehearsal so you have an ally?”
Riley might be my assistant, but more than that, she is my best friend, and this is why. She understands me better than anyone else.
“No, that will make me look weak. We both know I can’t have anyone doubting I can handle myself. They’re always looking for a reason to look down on an omega,” I say, holding back a whine.
“You’ve had people dislike you before, Oli. This isn’t the first time. So, why do Dax and the band affect you so much? You sound miserable.”
I huff. “My band should be an extension of me.”
“Listen, Oli, you’re incredible. If Dax can’t see that, it’s his loss,” Riley chimes in, her loyalty fierce as ever. “Don’t let one alpha ruin your night. You’re freaking perfect, remember?”
“Thanks, Riles. You always know what to say.” I manage a small laugh, grateful for her unwavering support.
“Anytime, girl. Now go home, get some rest, and show them what you’re made of tomorrow.”
“Will do. Goodnight, Riles.” I end the call with a sigh, tucking my phone away.
My omega wants me to march back inside and make those alphas love me, but I force myself to go home.
Oli
OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN
OLI HART’S BROKEN HART TOUR ADDS THE EDGE AND IS RENAMED THE ALPHA AND OMEGA TOUR
March 26th
Iuse the remote, and the TV turns on, casting a glow over my couch and the half-empty wine glasses.
I only drink socially since alcohol can be hard on my omega body, so tonight is the last time before the tour.
The latest episode of a reality show hums in the background, but it’s just white noise compared to the real entertainment – my evening with Riley.
“Okay, spill it,” I tease, nudging her shoulder with mine as we sink deeper into the plush sofa. “Which one of those alphas would you kick off the island first?”
Riley giggles, a sound that dances around the room. “Oh, definitely Chad. His abs might be chiseled, but his personality is flat.”
